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The WSR-88D produces 1-hour, 3-hour, and
storm-total precipitation estimates. Although limitations exist,
the overall estimates usually are good and alert forecasters
to locations where heavy precipitation is or has occurred. This
is very important, for example, during thunderstorm events where
forecasters need to assess flash flood potential as necessary.
In the accompanying image, a 3-hour rainfall estimate on April 16, 1998 indicated
bands of rainfall across central Kentucky and north-central Tennessee.
These bands show very well the path of thunderstorms. Estimated rainfall
amounts in these bands were 0.25 to 0.75 of an inch, with the highest
amounts up to 2.5 inches in 3 hours (light/yellow color in second band from
the bottom of the image). |
